The BMA Cone Collection

     Prior to my visit to the BMA I listened to several lectures given by you, Professor O'Reilly, and Professor Ball that covered a range of different artists, techniques, collectors/collections, and curation. The knowledge gained from these lectures helped immensely in my appreciation of my experience at the BMA.

     I decided to wander through the maze of exhibits until I stumbled upon the Cone Collection. For the first time, I observed the exhibits not for the art itself, but for each room's design and how it was curated with intent and purpose. I could appreciate the dedication that went into it all. Some exhibits contained many small pieces that lead you to a large piece which was the rooms focal point. Other exhibits contained similar style or sized pieces, all seemingly equivalent in their individual greatness. Whereas other exhibits contained a variation of style, sizes, color, and space-- drawing your focus in multiple directions.
     The Cone Collection in particular, was a soft yet vibrant exhibit. The pieces are well spaced out and not one takes away from another.  The Mattise collection appeared to be arranged by the different media (sketches and paintings) he used, canvas sizes, and palette. The small room that depicts a portion of Etta and Claribel's apartment was a fascinating part of the exhibit. Combining the replica with the virtual tour of the apartment, displayed the volume and extensiveness of their collection and decadent obsession. The virtual tour provided an in depth perception of the collection and how the Cone sister's carefully curated every nook and cranny of their home. My favorite aspect of the virtual tour was delving into the trunks inside their rooms and looking at their textile collection.
     Observing the collection firsthand helped me gain perspective on the size of the pieces, not one was the size I had envisioned. Matisse's use of color is remarkable and inspiring. The green hues he used in "The Yellow Dress" and "Ballet Dancer Seated On A Stool" are my favorite. The visit to the BMA was truly enriching.  These assignments resonate with me and I am grateful.